Yeray On Training With The Spain National Team “It Is A Great Experience For Me”

Yeray is excited to learn while training with the Spain National Team (RFEF)

Yeray, Unai Nuñez, and Iñaki Williams will not be going to Russia for this summer’s World Cup, but that doesn’t mean that they aren’t involved in the proceedings. All three Athletic Club stars were called up as reserves to train with the Spain National Team which is a great experience and chance to learn from some of the best footballers in the world. On Tuesday, Yeray spoke to the media in an official Spain press conference alongside Iago Aspas and said that being called to train with the main squad is a reward for hard work this season.

“Being called to train with the National Team is a reward for Unai [Nuñez], Willi [Iñaki Williams], and myself. It has not been an easy year for me or for any of my Athletic teammates. We am very happy to be here and for the recognition of playing well. After overcoming my illness, being called to train has been great news for me and my family. I told them that I was going to be training and helping the team prepare for the World Cup and they were really excited. I also want to send a message of encouragement and strength to those who are facing what I went through. I want to tell them that you can get through this. With work and enthusiasm you can achieve what you set out to do.”

When asked about what he thought of Spain’s chances to win the World Cup, Yeray said that he believes La Furia Roja are the favorites for this summer’s competition, although the players really aren’t talking about it. On a personal note, right now he is just focused on coming to training every day and trying to grow and improve while being around so many other great players.

“Honestly, I see Spain as the favorite for the World Cup, although it isn’t something that we have talked about. This is an incredible team and Spain has a great chance to win the tournament. Right now I am just focused on working day by day and enjoying the experience. I am able to learn a lot and you never know what will happen in the future. So far we have been finding our rhythm in training and little by little we are incorporating more things into the sessions. It’s just a great experience for me.”

When the time comes for Spain to leave for Russia, Yeray, Nuñez, and Williams will all be coming back home to start their summer holidays. However, goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga will be making the trip to the World Cup as David De Gea’s backup; a role he has held for a few years now. While Spain are competing in the legendary tournament, it will be a busy time at Athletic who are already busy trying to bring in new players during the transfer window and are set to name Eduardo Berizzo as the new manager in the coming days.